Soccer Blog

Catching up with Andrew Jacobson

23 March 2013 - FC Dallas midfielder Andrew Jacobson (#4) celebrates with fans after the MLS game between FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas. FC Dallas won the game 2-0.

Several FC Dallas players have already started working out at Toyota Stadium in advance of the official start of preseason training on Oct. 25. One of those individuals is none other than central midfielder Andrew Jacobson. This writer caught up with “A.J.” by phone on Tuesday afternoon and here’s what he had to say:

How ready are you to officially get preseason going?

Jacobson: Yeah, definitely it was a great offseason. I had some down time, got to rest my body a little bit. I’m looking forward to the season, so I wanted to get back with plenty of time and start ramping things up.

You had your option for 2014 picked up last fall. You had to be happy about that, right?

Jacobson: Yeah, I was really happy. I think we’re all on the same page. I know what’s expected of me coming up and what I need to do better. I need to be a bigger leader on this team and I think it’s good fit here for sure.

With FCD needing a new captain, do you consider yourself a candidate?

Jacobson: Yeah, definitely. I really like George (John) as well. I think there can be one captain but multiple leaders on a team. I wouldn’t shy away from being a leader. There’s a lot of options on this team. There’s a lot of leaders on this team, so I think anyone would do. And no matter who’s captain there’s still going to be a lot of leaders on the team.

What does the team have to do in order to avoid the malaise (long losing streaks) that have enveloped the club over each of the past two seasons?

Jacobson: I think this team needs to rally around the team. There’s been a lot of negative stuff that’s gone on. Now, guys are getting older. I think the leaders of the team are now a little bit older and more mature. I think you’re going to see a group that will not allow those things to happen. Every season’s going to have bad parts of the season, you grab the rest of the team and you bring them along. I know that’s going to happen this year.

How much will the addition of Adam Moffat impact the room?

Jacobson: He’s exactly who we needed. I know a lot of people that know him and I’ve only heard great things about him. Obviously, played against him, he’s a great player but he’s going to add a lot in the locker room, a lot as far as leadership. He’s the exact kind of person we’re looking for.

Were you surprised at how few personnel moves have been made this offseason?

Jacobson: To be honest, I’m really not surprised. We obviously had a great start. We have so much talent and I think a lot of the problem last year was chemistry rather than ability or anything else. This is a team that is built to win. I praise the team for not giving up too quickly because I think there is a lot of talent here and there’s a championship here.

You guys travel to the United Arab Emirates early in preseason. How much are you looking forward to that rather unique trip?

Jacobson: I think it’s really neat. We’ll be the first ones out there. It’s also growing quickly out there so it’ll be good for us to go out there and see how they do things, play some of their teams, get away from Dallas and the cold to experience something new. It’ll be a good bonding experience for the new guys. I think it’ll be a great trip.

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This blog is a partnership with SportsDay and 3rd Degree, a local soccer blog that has been covering soccer for the D-FW area since 1997. Coverage provided by Steve Hunt, Peter Welpton and Buzz Carrick

Every weekend the show covers the sport of soccer with a Dallas area P1's perspective. From the global game to youth fields that litter the DFW area, Andy & Peter simply talk about soccer and all that implies. You can follow the show on Twitter at @TheKickAround, or send them an email at kickaroundradio@gmail.com